Frequently Asked Questions

What is Women's Studies?

Women's studies focuses on the experiences of diverse groups of women and the changing cultural, economic, political, and psychological relations between women and men. Because we ask questions about women and about gender that no single academic department is able to answer, we encourage an interdisciplinary approach to research and learning.

Our program includes over eighty faculty from the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The faculty are appointed in the:

  • School of Arts and Sciences
  • Eastman School of Music
  • Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development
  • Simon School of Business
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Medicine and Dentistry

Who Enrolls in Women's Studies Courses?

Every semester over 100 undergraduate students—both women and men—from Arts, Sciences and Engineering, and the Eastman School of Music enroll in women's studies courses. They bring to our courses their primary expertise in music, in engineering, and in a range of disciplines across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

Students who enroll in women's studies courses select from among a variety of topics in nursing, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. We offer a range of courses each semester like:

  • Race and Gender in Popular Film
  • Implications in Women's Health Care
  • Women and Gender in the History of Science
  • Women's Movements in an International Perspective
  • Toni Morrison
  • Jane Austen
  • Black Males and Culture

Why Should I Major or Minor in Women's Studies?

Our major and minor requirements are extremely flexible is ideal for students looking to dual major or minor. Our faculty work closely with students to ensure that their women's studies program of study is in keeping with their larger intellectual interests and career goals.

Our students have the opportunity to participate in our internship program or conduct a research project, and to apply to us for funds to support the presentation of papers at conferences, visiting archives, or arranging for the library to purchase needed print, microfilm or video material.

How Does a Background in Women's Studies Prepare Me for a Career?

Our interdisciplinary program trains students to think critically by demanding that they bring together the insights of a number of academic departments. Our internships offer students an opportunity to supplement their classroom training with practical work experience in the arts, education, health, law, media, politics, and social services.

Why Should I Participate in a Women's Studies Internship?

Our internship program prepares students for careers in the arts, education, health, law, media, politics, and social services. Students who participate in our internship program receive valuable experience, and course credit, by working with local organizations that focus on the arts, education, health, law, media, politics, and social services.